All students will begin school remotely today, with plans for those who choose to return in person to do so on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
Kentwood teachers will provide instruction for the virtual program, and all students will be issued a Chromebook for the entire year, regardless of whether they are learning remotely or in person. They also are to receive workbooks and supplies for use at home, Superintendent Mike Zoerhoff said.
Parents will be asked to make a choice during the week of Aug. 31 for their student or students to return in person or to continue remotely, giving them time to experience the virtual program. This allows parents an informed choice, Zoerhoff said.
“Whether in person or remote, we are going to provide the best education for our kids. That’s what we do.”
Zoerhoff said the district is easing into in-person learning for several reasons, including having extra time to train students and staff on the safety protocols and cleaning procedures for a safe return. Students and staff will also learn about positive habits and behaviors for a successful remote learning. Having students familiar with and prepared to return to remote learning will be ideal, he said, if the state reverts to Phase 3, which doesn’t allow school buildings to be open.
Virtual staff training includes professional development around remote learning instructional practices on effective ways to use online tools and resources such as Google Classroom, Seesaw, ClassDojo and Padlet.
